Communication & PR Open House

On March 15th, the University of Ottawa Communications Department hosted an open house for potential new communication and public relations students. The day opened with a one-on-one networking lunch with the head professors of the department. Afterwards, the Chair of the Communications Department, Sylvie Grosjean, welcomed the students to the info session and introduced her colleagues Luc Dupont, Florian Grandena and Isaac Nahon-Serfaty.

Professor Grosjean shared with the eager audience on how enrolling in an organizational communications program touches base with all facets of communications. Organizational communication is a practical approach to learning interpersonal and intercultural communications as well as becoming familiar with the dynamics of a functional organization through the examination of internal and external factors. If you’d like to learn more on the different available avenues of communication, Organizational Communication is a great start!

Next, we had the French program coordinator of the Honours B.A. PR Program, professor Luc Dupont discuss the many opportunities available within the communications and PR industry itself. Mr. Dupont highlighted the career possibilities found within the private and public sector. His passion lit up the room and there was no shortage of laughter and excitement as he shared his affinity for the communications and PR profession.

Are you a lover of film and arts? Be sure to enroll in a film studies course with professor Florian Grandena. His clear, concise and energetic approach to teaching was very evident as he shared his love for contemporary French cinema and pop culture to our High School student guests. His narrative was consistent with the theme of the Open House event, a long-standing pride for uOttawa and the diverse communication courses available.

Last but not least, the head professors welcomed program coordinator, Isaac Nahon-Serfaty to discuss the elite program of Public Relations at the University of Ottawa. Professor Nahon-Serfaty explored different industries within PR, mentioning his own interests in health communications. Mr. Nahon-Serfaty also discussed PR in general including lessons on how you cannot control the media while sharing insights on how to persuade a public. Lesson 2? Enroll in Nahon-Serfaty’s PR course and find out!

In all, the day was chock-full of great information and helpful reasons to choose Ottawa U for the potential new students. I was invited to speak on behalf of uOPRA and the different projects our team planned this year including the podcast series Take uOPRA to Work Day, the 12 Days of PR Bliss blog series and the Let’s Grow Together 2014 conference. Our 2014-2015 President Candidate, Shannon Murphy was also able to join me in the presentation and shared the immediate and long-term benefits she’s received from getting involved with uOPRA including an offer to intern at a local communications company.

So why may you be interested in enrolling at Ottawa U for either communications or PR? There is an endless supply of possibilities within the profession, we have a faculty that are extremely passionate about what they teach and a student association that is excited to help you gain relevant experience in PR, whatever your interests.